OCTOPUS - 2016 Global Command and Control For Critical … · Octopus solutions does not impose any bundled costs on the CNI operator and can directly integrate any video systems

2016 Global Command and Control For Critical Infrastructure

New Product Innovation Award

2016

BEST PRACTICES RESEARCH

© Frost & Sullivan 2016 2 “We Accelerate Growth”

Contents

Background and Company Performance ........................................................................ 3

Industry Challenges .............................................................................................. 3

Product Family Attributes and Business Impact ........................................................ 4

Conclusion........................................................................................................... 7

Significance of New Product Innovation ......................................................................... 8

Understanding New Product Innovation ......................................................................... 8

Key Benchmarking Criteria .................................................................................... 8

Best Practice Award Analysis for Octopus ...................................................................... 9

New Product Attributes ......................................................................................... 9

Customer Impact ................................................................................................. 9

The Intersection between 360-Degree Research and Best Practices Awards ..................... 10

Research Methodology ........................................................................................ 10

Best Practices Recognition: 10 Steps to Researching, Identifying, and Recognizing Best Practices ................................................................................................................. 11

About Frost & Sullivan .............................................................................................. 12



Background and Company Performance

Industry Challenges

The spread of terrorism poses many challenges in security to Critical National Infrastructure

(CNI). CNI operators have accelerated investments in security systems such as access

control, perimeter security, incident detection, surveillance systems as well as others. This

creates a microcosm of a number of security solutions that operate in parallel with each

other. It is critical that all of these security elements are integrated into a command and

control suite to give the security operators greater situational awareness of security threats

across their facility. This solution should be customizable according to the differing needs of

each CNI facility, facilitate better informed decision making and measure the effectiveness

of deployed security resources.

Though CNI Operators cannot afford to compromise on security, the budget available to

deploy more advanced and newer security solutions is often constrained. Thus, CNI today is

more cost sensitive and security managers and purchasers are looking for economical

“force-multipliers” which can improve security outcomes.

Upgrades and improvements of security systems are usually staggered over time to allow

for budget allocation. As a result of this, security systems are usually comprised of multiple

different suppliers. Integrating multiple security systems from different providers into a

Command and control system can be challenging.. CNI operators need a versatile C2

framework which supports easy addition and removal of security devices and capabilities as

and when required.

Through its Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) System Octopus provides a

tailored solution that makes the management of different security systems easier and

optimizes resources to provide efficiencies on personnel costs whilst maintaining the high

security levels required for CNI operators.

Product Family Attributes and Business Impact

Match to Needs, Design and Quality

Affordability and Ease of adoption – CNI operators need solutions that are affordable

but high hardware, installation, upgrade and maintenance costs make C2 solutions a

continual drain on security budgets. Many firms that provide C2 solutions offer only “server

on-premise” installation option which requires significant investment in hardware. Whilst

providing the option of “on premises” installations, Octopus also provides a complete cloud

based C2 solution which requires minimal hardware installation and the accruing capital

costs. The solution does not compromise on functionality, customizability or performance.

The solution can be fully cloud-hosted using Microsoft Azure or any other cloud platform

desired by the customer. System software and data are hosted on the cloud with secure

communication to the main Octopus System. The Octopus client interface is designed to be



lean and thus enables it to seamlessly support cloud based solutions, whilst heavy client

interfaces of competing products inhibit the ability to support the cloud.

Integration Capability – Octopus stays ahead of the curve in this aspect on two fronts –

the sheer scale of integration capabilities the solution is capable of and the ability to

integrate complex military grade systems to the CNI C2 system when required by the

customer. The open architecture of the Octopus solution is powerful and almost OEM

agnostic. Any new security device added to the existing set up can also be easily added to

the C2 framework with just a click of a button. As the offering is cloud based, the data

captured is always real time and the security snapshot can be viewed from different

locations simultaneously.

The line between civilian security solutions and military grade solutions is blurring with high

security installations like nuclear reactors moving towards adoption of more military grade

C4I systems .The Octopus solution is versatile, and has successfully integrated ground

radars, acoustic sensors, motion sensors and Electro Optic and Infrared devices. It also

allows for automated correlation of deployed EO systems for visual line of sight with radar

acquired targets for effective prioritization and incident management.

Octopus Integration Possibilities

Video Manage

ment Systems

Drone/ UAV

Cyber Security

SCADA

GIS

Building Management and

ERP Integration

Radar

Perimeter Alert

Systems

License Plate Recognition

Fire Alarm

Access Control

Analytics

Human Sensors (through

mobile app)

Intrusion Alarms



Certain C2 solution providers sometimes prefer to deploy in house video management

systems because of integration concerns. This is an additional cost on the CNI operator.

Octopus solutions does not impose any bundled costs on the CNI operator and can directly

integrate any video systems or cameras to Octopus video cloud server.

Modular approach and Programmability – The Octopus solution is modular and offers a

holistic solution which cuts across physical security, cyber events, safety, operations and

risks. 35 customizable modules are offered for both the command room and mobile app.

CNI operators can pick, choose and deploy what they want depending on their security

priorities. Other competitors may have a certain degree of modularity in their solutions but

they may also use 3rd party systems to implement certain capabilities. All the Octopus

modules are built and deployed in house and very few solutions in the market offer such an

expansive and customizable set. The mobile app is a very strong complement to the control

system and helps track operational aspects of security. Through its patrol guard modules

and GIS tracking deployment of security, personnel can be monitored and evaluated. This

allows optimization of security dispatch and response whereas the closest security officer

can be dispatched to the location of an incident

The programmability of the solution is crucial in incident response applications. In the event

of an incident, the software provides the set of responses to the manager in a step by step

fashion and he can execute each of these at just a click of a button. The suite is entirely

programmable and any “if then” conditions (which list the set of actionable responses in

case of an event) can be easily tailored to it depending on the security priorities of the CNI

installation.

Reliability

The fact that all the security modules are developed in house and no third party support

software is used makes the Octopus solution stands out. Unlike competing products, the

solution requires no separate software client installation and Octopus’ command center web

client can be accessed from multiple devices spread across geographies. In a worst case

scenario where C2 hardware in one location is compromised, security control systems can

be seamlessly operated from another location. This is another advantage of a cloud based

system. In the case of maintenance or support requirements, non-cloud enabled

competitors can provide support only via remote access support connections. Octopus’ cloud

based solution provides for easier support systems. Maintenance and upgrades do not

require expensive on site visits and upgrades for both server and the client can be done via

the cloud without any hindrance or additional costs. The support of a 24*7 security center,

combined with no third party dependence and cloud based real time trouble shooting makes

Octopus a very reliable solution.



Business Impact

Performance Value

Automation - Security processes and responses are becoming more automated to reduce

human error during emergency situations. The number of security personnel to be

employed has also been brought down resulting in lower operational costs without

compromising security measures in place. The solution can also be used to generate a

performance snapshot of the security personnel thus decisions on improving skills through

training can be effectively taken, which all drives improving efficiency of operations.

Capital Cost Savings and Customizability – The Octopus cloud based solution does not

require physical servers, network components and hot backup solutions and associated

additional licensing costs. Competitors usually offer a C2 solution with a small number of

basic security modules and adding additional security modules such as dispatch services

cost more. Octopus provides all modules at very price competitive cost compared to their

competition. Also, any single module can be sold separately enabling more customizability

for the customer.

The variability of security is usually in direct proportion to the number of sensors deployed.

The Octopus mobile app, used in tandem with the control solution turns every security

personnel deployed into a “security sensor”. Apart from the ability to remotely monitor the

security personnel, by using preinstalled barcodes to mark locations and facilities within the

CNI environment Octopus provides the capability to monitor performance of employed

personnel. Command communication is possible in real time between every security asset,

this includes mobile video transmission between security asset and control center in case of

an event.

Brand Equity

Brand Equity is increasingly important for security firms as it is becoming increasingly

difficult to differentiate security solutions. Octopus has built a product after truly

understanding the needs of the CNI operator. The product planning and development stage

of Octopus involved active participation from security operators having years of experience

in CNI security and CNI infrastructure operators. The needs of cost effectiveness, scalability,

and customer support and integration has been effectively and innovatively addressed by

the solution and the wide range of capabilities offered by a single solution has ensured that

Octopus has a growing clientele. The solution has been recognized for its innovative

approach by dependable sources like Forbes among others. It has built a very loyal clientele

spread across continents over the last 5 years, standing itself out from its competition.



Conclusion

CNI operators find it increasingly difficult to make optimum use of the many security

solutions that they deploy. This often involves large costs and complex integration

processes. Octopus has successfully changed this by developing a truly versatile IT and

mobile phone based system which is minimally intrusive and optimizes the security

architecture by deploying a powerful C2 system. For these reasons Octopus is truly

deserving of the New Product Innovation Award for Command and Control Solutions for CNI.



Significance of New Product Innovation

Ultimately, growth in any organization depends upon continually introducing new products

to the market, and successfully commercializing those products. For these dual goals to

occur, a company must be best-in-class in three key areas: understanding demand,

nurturing the brand, and differentiating from the competition.

Understanding New Product Innovation

Innovation is about finding a productive outlet for creativity—for consistently translating

ideas into high quality products that have a profound impact on the customer.



Key Benchmarking Criteria

For the New Product Innovation Award, Frost & Sullivan analysts independently evaluated

two key factors— New Product Attributes and Customer Impact—according to the criteria

identified below.

New Product Attributes

Criterion 1: Match to Needs

Criterion 2: Reliability

Criterion 3: Quality

Criterion 4: Positioning

Criterion 5: Design

Customer Impact

Criterion 1: Price/Performance Value

Criterion 2: Customer Purchase Experience

Criterion 3: Customer Ownership Experience

Criterion 4: Customer Service Experience

Criterion 5: Brand Equity

Best Practice Award Analysis for Octopus

New Product Attributes

Criterion 1: Match to Needs

Requirement: Customer needs directly influence and inspire the product’s design and

positioning

Criterion 2: Reliability

Requirement: The product consistently meets or exceeds customer expectations for

consistent performance during its entire life cycle

Criterion 3: Quality

Requirement: Product offers best-in-class quality, with a full complement of features and

functionality

Criterion 4: Positioning

Requirement: The product serves a unique, unmet need that competitors cannot easily

replicate

Criterion 5: Design

Requirement: The product features an innovative design, enhancing both visual appeal

and ease of use

Customer Impact

Criterion 1: Price/Performance Value

Requirement: Products or services offer the best value for the price, compared to similar

offerings in the market



Criterion 2: Customer Purchase Experience

Requirement: Customers feel like they are buying the most optimal solution that

addresses both their unique needs and their unique constraints

Criterion 3: Customer Ownership Experience

Requirement: Customers are proud to own the company’s product or service, and have a

positive experience throughout the life of the product or service

Criterion 4: Customer Service Experience

Requirement: Customer service is accessible, fast, stress-free, and of high quality

Criterion 5: Brand Equity

Requirement: Customers have a positive view of the brand and exhibit high brand loyalty

The Intersection between 360-Degree Research and Best

Practices Awards

Research Methodology

Frost & Sullivan’s 360-degree research

methodology represents the analytical

rigor of our research process. It offers a

360-degree-view of industry challenges,

trends, and issues by integrating all 7 of

Frost & Sullivan's research methodologies.

Too often, companies make important

growth decisions based on a narrow

understanding of their environment,

leading to errors of both omission and

commission. Successful growth strategies

are founded on a thorough understanding

of market, technical, economic, financial,

customer, best practices, and demographic

analyses. The integration of these research

disciplines into the 360-degree research

methodology provides an evaluation platform for benchmarking industry players and for

identifying those performing at best-in-class levels.

360-DEGREE RESEARCH: SEEING ORDER IN

THE CHAOS



Best Practices Recognition: 10 Steps to Researching,

Identifying, and Recognizing Best Practices

Frost & Sullivan Awards follow a 10-step process to evaluate award candidates and assess

their fit with select best practice criteria. The reputation and integrity of the Awards are

based on close adherence to this process.

STEP OBJECTIVE KEY ACTIVITIES OUTPUT

1 Monitor, target, and screen

Identify award recipient candidates from around the globe

Conduct in-depth industry research

Identify emerging sectors Scan multiple geographies

Pipeline of candidates who potentially meet all best-practice criteria

2 Perform 360-degree research

Perform comprehensive, 360-degree research on all candidates in the pipeline

Interview thought leaders and industry practitioners

Assess candidates’ fit with best-practice criteria

Rank all candidates

Matrix positioning all candidates’ performance relative to one another

3

Invite thought leadership in best practices

Perform in-depth examination of all candidates

Confirm best-practice criteria Examine eligibility of all

candidates Identify any information gaps

Detailed profiles of all ranked candidates

4

Initiate research director review

Conduct an unbiased evaluation of all candidate profiles

Brainstorm ranking options Invite multiple perspectives

on candidates’ performance Update candidate profiles

Final prioritization of all eligible candidates and companion best-practice positioning paper

5

Assemble panel of industry experts

Present findings to an expert panel of industry thought leaders

Share findings Strengthen cases for

candidate eligibility Prioritize candidates

Refined list of prioritized award candidates

6

Conduct global industry review

Build consensus on award candidates’ eligibility

Hold global team meeting to review all candidates

Pressure-test fit with criteria Confirm inclusion of all

eligible candidates

Final list of eligible award candidates, representing success stories worldwide

7 Perform quality check

Develop official award consideration materials

Perform final performance benchmarking activities

Write nominations Perform quality review

High-quality, accurate, and creative presentation of nominees’ successes

8

Reconnect with panel of industry experts

Finalize the selection of the best-practice award recipient

Review analysis with panel Build consensus Select winner

Decision on which company performs best against all best-practice criteria

9 Communicate recognition

Inform award recipient of award recognition

Present award to the CEO Inspire the organization for

continued success Celebrate the recipient’s

performance

Announcement of award and plan for how recipient can use the award to enhance the brand

10 Take strategic action

Upon licensing, company may share award news with stakeholders and customers

Coordinate media outreach Design a marketing plan Assess award’s role in future

strategic planning

Widespread awareness of recipient’s award status among investors, media personnel, and employees



About Frost & Sullivan

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Documents

OCTOPUS - 2016 Global Command and Control For Critical … · Octopus solutions does not impose any bundled costs on the CNI operator and can directly integrate any video systems